The following is a statement from Sir Albert Bore, Leader of Birmingham City Council, on the latest developments in the plan to welcome 50 Syrian refugees to the city… “I am pleased to announce that following a robust procurement process we have appointed Refugee Action to provide support services for the 50 refugees we will be welcoming to Birmingham through the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Relocation scheme.
“The contract formally starts today (December 1) with Refugee Action - a well-respected organisation with many years’ experience of supporting refugees.
“They will offer invaluable expertise and knowledge as we make every effort to ensure the new arrivals begin their new lives as smoothly as possible their new neighbourhoods.
“We anticipate a first group of arrivals from Syria later this month, with the remainder of the 50 individuals expected in the new year.
“Birmingham has a rich and proud history of offering a warm welcome and support to new citizens from around the world. This is the latest chapter in that story of successful integration.
“It comes after a commitment earlier this year to offer shelter to 50 Syrians, a pledge that then received cross-party support at September’s Full Council meeting.
“It also follows a motion that was approved in support of the council’s effort to secure formal City of Sanctuary status.
“Our efforts on that front continue and a meeting organised by the City of Sanctuary movement is being staged in the Council House this Friday (December 4) to move Birmingham along to its goal as quickly as possible.”
Stephen Hale, Refugee Action Chief Executive, added:
“This is a proud moment for the city of Birmingham and we are delighted to be working with the council to welcome and resettle Syrian refugees.
“Building on Refugee Action’s 30 years’ experience of delivering successful resettlement programmes, we look forward to working closely with the council and the people of Birmingham to help these refugees rebuild their lives with dignity and integrate with their local community.”
